New German air-launched platform: Everything for Rheinmetall Caracal

The Bundeswehr has a new vehicle: the new air-landing platform will be procured via Rheinmetall Caracal. It is based on the Mercedes G and has ACS and Rheinmetall as partners, who have prevailed against Defenture and KMW. The demand: up to 1,700 vehicles.

Rheinmetall has already presented the new air-landing vehicle family Caracal at the Eurosatory 2022 trade fair - SPARTANAT has reported. In cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, the German corporation has tailored the new versatile and highly mobile 4x4 vehicle family to the requirements for platforms for air-landing or special forces units.

The new air-landing vehicle family Caracal is based on the new chassis of the G-Class for rescue and special operations. The Caracal is characterized by its high mobility, light structure, and optional installable protection elements against ballistic and mine threats. The six-cylinder Euro III diesel engine delivers 249 hp, allowing the 4,900 kg heavy vehicle to reach a top speed of 140 km/h.

The compact vehicle design allows air transport of up to two vehicles in the cargo hold of a CH-53K King Stallion or CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter. The Caracal can also be carried as an external load.

Thanks to its unique modular design and two available wheelbases, the Caracal can be used in various roles during air-landing operations - from a simple troop transporter to a medical vehicle or as a logistics vehicle - all on a single automotive platform.

ACS online

RHEINMETALL online